SI of Central Alberta
Meeting Info
Date: the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from September to June. The first meeting of the month is a business meeting. The second meeting is either a planning or project meeting.
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Please email the club at sherrismith946@gmail.com for more information.
Email: sherrismith946@gmail.com
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter siofcentralalberta@outlook.com
Soroptimist International of Central Alberta is part of a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls who face obstacles, through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The organization is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination.
We were chartered in 1988 by SI of Calgary and continue to welcome members from Central Alberta communities.
Our members
Members enjoy and appreciate the opportunities Soroptimist participation provides for personal and professional growth, e.g. leadership training, contribution to raising awareness of social issues, friendship and fun, and making a difference in the lives of women and girls locally, and in countries around the world.
Our Projects, Awards and Events
SI of Central Alberta participates in the Dream programs of Soroptimist which ensure women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
Awards
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award – annual grant of $2500.00 – to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Recipients of the Live Your Dream award, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse, may use the award to offset any costs associated with their effort to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation. Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need.
Violet Richardson Award – annual grant of $500.00 to winner and $500.00 to her charity – a recognition program for young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose activities make the community and the world a better place.
Ruby Award– honoring women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work.
Projects and Events
February Mother Daughter conference “Power of a Girl” – is for girls ages 11-14 and their mother or a female adult in their lives. Together they learn about issues such as self esteem, bullying, violence, online safety, etc. This one day conference is affordable and provides fun, education and bonding.
March International Women’s Day Awards Luncheon – this luncheon is where we grant our awards and celebrate the winners of the Live Your Dream award, the Violet Richardson award and the Ruby Award.
September to June Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls – sessions held during the school year (for girls 14-18) will help girls grow up to be strong, successful, happy adults. Dream It, Be It targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. The sessions provide girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams. Topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and how to move forward after setbacks and failures.
October Purple Light Nights – this campaign (where purple lights are sold) runs during November, Family Violence Prevention Month. For this campaign, we partner with the Domestic and Relationship Violence Initiative Committee at the Women’s Outreach. We encourage individuals, businesses, organizations and municipalities to let a light shine on your porch, tree, or window to remember those who have lost their lives, to support the survivors and to bring hope to those still abused. Domestic Violence has NO place in our community. See our Facebook page at Central Alberta Purple Light Nights.
November Pyjamas and Pearls fundraising dinner – our annual fundraising dinner encourages attendees to dress in their best “pyjamas and pearls” for a dinner, dance, lip sync contest and raffles. This fundraising event raises funds for our annual awards and projects such as our conferences for girls and moms.